DECODING INFLATABLE TUBE FABRIC
Almost all inflatable craft are constructed with either PVC or CSM fabric.
Hypalon was discontinued by its manufacturer (DuPont) and is now sold under a slightly different formula with new name "CSM" or Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene Rubber.
|
CSM (Hypalon®) BRANDS FOR INFLATABLES |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Brand |
Manufacturer |
Country of Origin |
Comments |
|
Orca |
Pennel & Flipo |
Belgium |
World Leader (multiple products) |
|
Dtex 1100 |
Achilles |
Japan |
Only used by Mercury and Achilles |
|
Toso-CSM CN1500 |
Tosoh |
Japan |
|
|
Hypatex |
D & D |
Italy |
|
|
Hypalon® |
DuPont |
USA |
Discontinued in 2010 |
|
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) BRANDS FOR INFLATABLES |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Brand |
Manufacturer |
Country of Origin |
|
Valmex - Mainstream |
Mehler |
Germany |
|
Valmex - Heavy Duty |
Mehler |
Germany |
|
Strongan Duotex |
Zodiac |
China |
There is a myriad of information regarding the differences, pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses of CSM versus PVC.
The below table attempts to correlate and compare the properties of each from various sources.
|
CSM (Hypalon®) versus PVC |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Property |
CSM |
PVC |
|
Material Price |
High |
Low |
|
Tube Seams |
Glued |
Thermowelded |
|
Process to attach tubes to hull |
Glued |
Glued |
|
Air retention |
Excellent |
Excellent |
|
Abrasion Resistance |
Good |
Average |
|
Solvent Resistance |
Good |
Poor |
|
UV Resistance |
High |
Low |
|
Heat Resistant |
High |
Low |
|
Sunscreen/Insect Repellent Resistance |
High |
Low |
|
Suitability for Tropical Areas |
High |
Low |
|
Average life cycle (Years) |
15 to 20 |
5 to 10 |
|
Sectors |
Rescue, Commercial & Leisure |
Leisure |
